Shut up and Train

Written by Administrator

Tuesday, 15 December 2009 21:11

Just finished watching the movie 'Drysdale' on the Tapout website - a quick flick about Robert Drysdale's 2009 Abu Dhabi fight with Jacare, which was meant to be with Roger Gracie.

What struck me is that, even though Drysdale is one of those elite grapplers, he still has to taste defeat and coming up short and use this as determination to get better. Which is just the same as any BJJ player at any belt level. It's well worth the 15 or 20 minutes watch.

My last blog entry was on Thursday and it dealt with over thinking Jiu Jitsu as I had another bad night on the mat. I think another reason you sometimes have bad training nights is - sometimes you go but you don't 'really' want to be there. Or at least that happens to me now and again...not very often though. I think Thursday was one of those nights..

So on Friday I just showed up and blocked all the thoughts out and just flowed. It was a relaxed class as it was Jorge’s last of the year so it was a pace that I really enjoyed. I am becoming a firm believer in the 'Shut up and train' motto as all your results and answers will be found on the mats. However, I didn't train over the weekend. I'm trying to rest my hand and had stuff to do with Scouts and work.

Sunday night I got a txt from Prof Britto and he asked me to join him for his Birthday dinner so that was a nice surprise and I joined some other of his friends and oldest students for Sushi before he headed down to Brazil for 6 Weeks.

During the time Jorge is away we have a great opportunity to try out all the knowledge and techniques we have been learning this year. The plan is for the Brown and Purple belts to hold the classes but with the focus being on rolling and sharpening our game for when Saulo Ribeiro comes in January. Personally I am determined for Jorge to see a much improved fighter when he returns so I look forward to the opportunity to roll with less pressure for the next weeks. With there being no focus on advancement - all we can do is train. 2010 is going to be a big year as I plan to compete at the Abu Dhabi Trails and Grapplers Quest.

So time to keep working on my guard passing, my side control and new submissions (no chokes until my left hand can grip strong.).

My small success story from last night was my last roll with a guy that is about 200lbs and last time smashed me for 5 minutes. 'I remember you smashed me last time we rolled' I said and we slapped hands. For the next 300 seconds (ever thought about your fight in seconds instead of minutes?) I shut him down and kept him on his back for most of the time threatening my guard pass. When he dropped the f bomb when time was up - validation of my rolling right there.

I also am piecing together the rumours of the "Jorge Britto Brazilian BJJ Camp' but plans are sketchy and in no way locked in. It's just an idea right now it seems so when he comes back in January I will know more.

Look for a new Video interview with Toronto's World Champion Melissa Biscardi about her Gi and No Gi Championships, tournaments, training and Women’s Jiu Jitsu to be on the site soon. I sat with Melissa for a pow wow last night. Thanks Melissa!